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Design: Sara Tramp for EHD, Photo: Tessa Neustadt
When life gets busy, it's easy to let your bedroom décor fall to the wayside. Things pile up in corners, creating unnecessary clutter; bedding ages and fades; and furniture pieces get bumped and scratched—or simply stop serving the storage purposes you once needed. Luckily, it doesn't take much to get your bedroom back to a state of pure relaxation. All you need is a little decluttering and minimalist style inspiration.
What is Minimalism?
Minimalism is a design style characterized by a less-is-more, simple approach devoid of ornamentation. It's highly reductive, focusing on incorporating only the essential and necessary elements and getting rid of excess (i.e., decluttering).
So what exactly do you need to achieve the minimalist bedroom look? A healthy Marie Kondo-inspired organization session, followed by a bedding refresh, a few thoughtful accessories, and maybe a light coat of paint. Ready to give your space the update it needs to help you relax after a long day? Take some of these 30 minimalist bedroom ideas and apply them to your own room.
Stick to a Neutral Palette
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If you're trying to find the best place to start with minimalism, your color scheme is something to keep in mind. Keep your color palette to a few muted shades and touches of white for a soothing space. Pattern and texture are encouraged, though try to keep décor items within the same color family.
Layer Your Lighting
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Lighting design is essential when creating this style. Layer your lighting with a mix of overhead and wall fixtures. A woven pendant will cast an eye-catching glow on your space, and table lamps offer focused illumination where you need it.
Make Your Bed Minimally
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No need to go overboard with your bedding–it's best to keep things simple. White linen sheets and a wool throw are just what you need to achieve the minimalist look. When in doubt, choose a low-slung platform bed to make your space feel zen.
Opt for Modern Channel Tufting
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Headboards can occasionally be clunky and take up too much space without adding to the style. Opt for a channel tufting instead of a traditional upholstered headboard for a modern take on cushioned bedframes. It'll add texture to an otherwise neutral vibe.
Go Entirely Monochrome
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White isn't the only color option to achieve a minimal mindset. Keep your room in monochrome shades of gray to make your space feel as relaxing as possible. Choose a warm gray to soften the room.
Mix Cool and Warm Tones
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Subtle tone pairings can be a perfect solution to inspire interest. Create tension between cool and warm neutral tones by juxtaposing blue-grays with tan and camel hues. In this space, a singular piece of wire furniture adds visual interest without being overwhelming.
Try the Unmade Bed Look
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ENTRANCE MAKLERI
Relaxation is an important aspect when decorating in a minimalist way. Embrace the undone bedding look by choosing prewashed linens and cotton throws that look great when wrinkled. Plus, one lived-in component will avoid the dreaded showroom look.
Try an All-White Palette
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Choosing an all-white color scheme is one of the most common tells of a minimalist bedroom. There is absolutely nothing wrong with sticking to the basics. Layer tone-on-tone textures, like bedding, pillows, throws, and rugs all in shades of white.
Keep Furniture Low to the Ground
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The more space you can showcase, the better. A great option is to choose low-slung furniture to create the impression of high ceilings. This strategy is beneficial if your bed is also positioned closer to the ground for cohesiveness.
Add Paper Lanterns
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Philippe Le Berre, Stylist: Aiko Ito for IKEA
Selecting the right lighting can be difficult. To keep the atmosphere serene, paper lanterns and shades are the way to go. They give off a light and airy feel and will cast a soft glow on your bedroom that will lull you to sleep.
Keep Nightstands Neat
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Katie Hodges Design
Organization plays a key role in minimalism–but that doesn't mean you have to get rid of everything you own. Keep a small tray or bowl on your nightstand to corral all your jewelry and keep clutter at bay. You can also group them with a few other decorative items to create a vignette.
Have Fun With Paint
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Tim Young for Secret Linen Store
Minimal doesn't always have to be shades of gray and white. The moody painted walls pictured mesh well with the simplicity of the rest of the room. Just keep in mind that similar hues are the best bet when going with color.
Anchor the Room with a Large Rug
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Alexandra Rowley; Design: Studio DB
If you're unsure of how to tie a room together, go with a large rug. When everything else remains sparse, a rug can serve as a focal point for the room. Your best bet is to stick with neutral colors and simple patterns.
Decorate with Simple Black Accents
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Lina Ikse, Stylist: Emily Henson for IKEA
Pops of dramatic color can be impactful without losing the qualities of a minimalist-designed bedroom. A nightstand and matching headboard mesh well here and serve as a perfect backdrop to this pastel-colored lamp. However, be sure to keep the accents to a minimum–you don't want too many competing for attention.
Keep Bedding Simple
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Mike Garten, Design: Studio DB
No need to pile your bed with dozens of pillows and covers you don't plan on using. Style your bed simply with one accent pillow and a blanket covering the foot of your bed. Too many accessories may disturb the harmony of the space.
Be Consistent with Lighting
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SANDRA WERUD; STYLIST: HELEN SVENSSON FOR IKEA
Keep a consistent thread between your lighting fixtures, like brass and white features, to tie the room together. Alternatively, stick to similar shapes, like the lighting pictured here. Consistency is key when you're decorating minimally.
Add a Dose of Glamour
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Little Greene
Fewer items don't have to mean plain and boring. Make your space sparkle with just a few brass accents in your curtain hardware or lighting. Here, a slim brass table lamp rounds out a muted vignette.
Add a Midcentury Modern Chair
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Article
Less is more, yet not at the expense of function and necessity. A chair can serve many purposes beyond seating; use it for storage or to create a defined area in your room, like a dressing corner. Choosing a style like midcentury modern offers possibilities that are simple, stunning, and understated.
Choose a Simple Rug with a Hint of Sheen
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IKEA
Choose a large solid-colored rug with a subtle sheen. It's just soft enough and doesn't clutter the space visually. Given minimalism's love of comfort and simplicity, it's an ideal choice.
Add Texture Instead of Art
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Tim Young for Secret Linen Store
It's easy to want to cover empty walls with various items so it doesn't look bland. Keep your walls bare, but add texture instead, like a plaster finish or a shiplap wall. Additionally, express texture through your bedding or accent pieces.
Bring the Outside In
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Tim Young for Secret Linen Store
With some sculptural greenery in a pot, planter, or vase, add calm and a closer connection to the natural world. Try to avoid prickly or pointy plants, however. According to feng shui, these plants give off overstimulating or "spiky" energy.
Blend Black and White to Create Contrast
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An easy way to bring intrigue into your bedroom is to create contrast. Black and white work well to balance each other without causing chaos. Try a simple blanket on the bed to achieve the goal without going overboard.
Use Collections as Wall Dećor
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A great trick for this style is to use what you have on hand to decorate rather than buying additional items you don't need. If you have a small collection of items you can't part with, turn them into wall dećor. The photo above showcases four stylish hats–it's both aesthetically pleasing and works as functional storage.
Use Light Wood
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There are plenty of natural accents to use, but none are quite as synonymous with minimalism as light wood. From accent furniture, floating shelves, or even an accent wall, light wood creates texture while still maintaining a calm vibe. Pair with white walls for a traditional option.
Play with Scale and Symmetry
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Minimalism doesn't require perfect balance and exact replicas–just thoughtful design. Choosing two simple bedside table lamps that are entirely different yet still neutral is a fun way to express yourself. You can also create intrigue by hanging one simple piece of art off-center above your bed.
Make the Most of Awkward Spaces
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If your room has awkward spaces or nooks, take advantage of them. Whether it's converting into a bookshelf, or a simple desk like the room pictured here, make good use of the space you have available.
Invest in Double Duty Furniture
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Charlie Coull Designs
Both aesthetics and functionality play a vital role in minimalism. Try to include furniture that serves more than one purpose, like the nightstands above. They serve as a table, shelf, and storage option all in one that still looks sleek and stunning.
Create an Open Concept Layout
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Calimia Home
Instead of focusing on the objects, take a moment to look at how they are arranged. Move your furniture and items to create an open concept layout as much as you possibly can. The most open space you can see, the better.
Let the Natural Light In
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Lighting options are important, but don't forget about natural light. While much of this depends on your access, don't cover up windows with dark or heavy fabrics. Bare windows are the ultimate minimalist move, but choose sheer curtains if you still want to have some privacy.
Try All Black
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onurdongel via Getty Images
Though it might seem odd, minimalism doesn't require things to be entirely white or light-colored. This sophisticated bedroom chose a black color scheme that manages to be calming and simple yet striking in its own right. If you want to try a dark color palette, ensure things are as monochromatic as possible.